Fishing enthusiasts needing a day next to a trout-packed dam can find just what they are looking for without having to drive for hours.
Muldersdrift, known best perhaps for its lodges and wedding venues, has various spots offering great fishing opportunities. Kloofzicht Lodge, Bergsig Trout Farm and Log Cabin and Brookwood Estate are just three of the many venues worth visiting.
Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa’s General Manager, Mano Sequiera, says it invested in several trout farms to meet a growing demand for fly-fishing in the area. “Muldersdrift has brilliant scenery, resources and the space to capitalise on this market so it made sense for us to set up a fly-fishing option for our guests. Along with that, we work closely with Wayne Sinclair, Managing Director of Sundowner Adventures & MBH Fly-fishing, the founding member of the Magalies River Conservancy. The major objective of the Conservancy is the conservation of large-scale yellow fish in the area.”
An R2.5 million wetland rehabilitation project close to the source of Magalies River has been put in place as a result of lobbying assistance from Sundowner Adventures and the Yellowfish Working Group. Kloofzicht Lodge, Glenburn Lodge, Sundowner Adventures and Brookwood Fly fishing Estate are involved in monitoring and conservation of large-scale yellow fish in the Crocodile River. Sinclair, who runs fly fishing coaching lessons at Kloofzicht Lodge, says the fly fishing guiding includes correct catch and release techniques so fish do not get injured as well as specialised techniques that equip people to fishing for large scale yellow fish in the technical small stream areas. “We support community development by taking previously disadvantaged people and training them as fly fishing guides. By offering the small stream fly fishing we are able to generate funds to pay for the monitoring and conservation of the sensitive river area home to these yellow fish which are under threat in Gauteng because of land development and pollution,” says Sinclair.
Along with the Classic Fly-fishing Experience package which is perfect for beginners, Kloofzicht also offers an interactive fly-fishing and wine tasting experience. Sequiera says, “We also branched out to include a trout cook-off and wine pairing experience where guests are taught how to prepare and cook the perfect trout and then compete by testing out their own culinary skills. It’s a great team-building event for corporates.”
Brookwood Estate is another option for fisherman offering five, well-stocked dams, three of which are only for fly fisherman. “These three dams have some of the largest trout in Gauteng. The largest trout caught to date have been a 4kg rainbow, a 3.6kg golden and a 3kg brown trout. We stock mainly rainbow trout with some brown and golden trout in winter,” says Brookwood Estate owner, David Bain. The estate also welcomes kids and has a dam just for them where they can fish with anything from spinners to bait. “In this dam we have a multitude of fish ranging from trout, bass, carp, bream and barble. Our policy is that all fish, except for trout, must be released,” he says.
The fifth dam caters for fishermen after bass and carp only. The use of this dam is on a strictly catch and release basis with the largest carp caught to date weighing 18kgs and the largest bass 2.5kgs. “We welcome day visitors. Brookwood is open from 06:00 to 18:00 every day,” says Bain.
Gilbert Hickman, the spokesperson for the Muldersdrift Communication Action Group (MCAG), says families should consider coming to the area as there’s a host of activities available for non-fishing enthusiasts to enjoy while the fisherman try their luck at the dams. “A trip to Muldersdrift is a perfect weekend activity for all. While the fishermen are at it, there are spa treatments, lunch venues, art galleries and more for the rest of the family.”
Those wanting to try their hand at fishing in Muldersdrift should consider heading to Kloofzicht on 14 July for its annual Fly-fishing competition and Open Day. The event starts at 06:00 and ends at 15:00 with prize-giving.
Lunch is included and the event is limited to 40 people. The cost is R360 per person for the day. Booking details are available at www.kloofzicht.co.za.
